An overwhelming amount of information about the coronavirus has left many people scratching their heads – but hopefully not their faces – about the best way to stay safe in their daily lives.

Beth Beam, a registered nurse at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, said SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can linger on a variety of surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, television remotes, dishwashers and steering wheels.

“Use household cleaners that has activity against coronavirus, such as Lysol or Clorox,” Beam said. “The most important thing to do is wash your hands well, hitting all the surfaces between your fingers, around your hands and focusing on your thumbs as well for a full 20 seconds with basic soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.”

Packages should be treated as if they are contaminated. Be mindful when opening them, and then sanitize the contents. Or let the package remain unopen for two or three days, washing your hands well after moving the package.

“The package will dry out and desiccate and it will be safe to open whatever you have ordered,” Beam said. “Anything inside should not be a problem.”

Sharon Medcalf, director of the UNMC Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness and Emerging Infectious Diseases, said the best way to promote public health is to practice social distancing.

The virus can be spread up to 6 feet before it floats to the ground, Medcalf said. It can linger longer on hands and other surfaces.

“That’s why it is very important that your washing your hands that people are always touching frequently,” Medcalf said. “Picture grabbing a gallon of milk from the grocery store and then putting it back, six other people may have just done the same thing. Think about those surfaces that are being touched by other people.”

Some distancing is appropriate at home, too, although it’s less of an issue for people living in the same environment without contact with the outside world.

When handling delivery food containers, Medcalf said to be sure to wash your hands immediately before getting a new plate.

“Remembering how many hands may have touched something is a good way of making sure you are frequently washing your hands,” Medcalf said.